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Posted by: Praetorian Oct 10 2008, 03:24 PM

I don't want to start an arguing thread...but I was curious who you guys thought are the 5 greatest of all time. Here are mine in order:

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan
2. Jimi Hendrix
3. Jeff Beck
4. Mark Knopfler
5. Les Paul (the tone MASTER!)

What is your list?

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 10 2008, 03:28 PM

1. John mclaughlin

2. Allan holdsworth

3. Chuck schuldiner

4. Jason becker

5. Townes van zandt

Posted by: jer Oct 10 2008, 03:31 PM

In no particular order.


David Gilmour - Showed us that one or 2 notes, played right is all you ever need.
Joe Satriani - Defined technique in rock guitar.
Randy Rhoads - Defined classical influenced metal playing.
Tony Iommi - Defined the heavy riff.
C.C. Deville - For showing us that anyone can make it.

Posted by: Matt23 Oct 10 2008, 03:33 PM

In no order

Tommy Emmanuel

Joe Satriani

Mark Knopfler

Don Ross

Paul Gilbert

I would also say Tony Iommi and Jimi Hendrix for being such big influences in rock and metal but i dont think tehre in the top 5 greatest guitarists.

Posted by: Praetorian Oct 10 2008, 03:35 PM

Posted by: javari Oct 10 2008, 03:39 PM

1. SRV

in no order:
Ritchie Blackmore
David Gilmour
Dickey Betts
Gary Moore

Posted by: shellshock1911 Oct 10 2008, 03:42 PM

John Petrucci
Steve Morse
Paul Waggoner
John Petrucci
John Petrucci

Something like that

Posted by: chmilew Oct 10 2008, 03:45 PM

In no order :

John Petrucci
Brian May
SRV
Paco De Lucia
Mark Knopfler

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Oct 10 2008, 04:16 PM

Good luck with that

Posted by: mattacuk Oct 10 2008, 04:21 PM

Yes, and although this thread has been done a million times im going to join in anyway

PAUL GILBERT
Yngwie Malmsteen
Buckethead
SRV
Brian May

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 10 2008, 04:25 PM

There is no such thing as "greatest guitarist ever".
since when was music a pissing contest?
Edit: in case you didnt notice I HATE these lists.

Posted by: mattacuk Oct 10 2008, 04:26 PM

I would say its more like, your top 5 favorite guitarists

Posted by: superize Oct 10 2008, 04:32 PM

In no order

Yngwie Malmsteen
Luca Turilli
Lian Gerbino
Micheal Romeo
Alexi Laiho

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 10 2008, 04:32 PM

Oh. well then,
my FAVORITE (not best ever) guitarists:

1.Dave Mustaine
2.Chris Broderick
3.Frank Zappa
4.Mikael Akerfeldt
5.Olavi Mikkonen & Johan Soderberg (Amon Amarth)

Everything but #1 rotates depending on what im listening to currently.
Edit: changed the list.

Posted by: jer Oct 10 2008, 04:38 PM

Relax folks.

Its simply an opinion. Thats why I put "why" next to my names. I dont think anyone will take anyones choices as fact. But they'll understand why I chose them.

Its no different than anything else posted here. Its merely the posters opinion.

Whether its GMC staff, Instructors, veteran members, or noobs, its a discussion board. So lets discuss. This board is full of opinions. Why should "Who's the greatest guitarists of all time" ruffle anyones feathers?

If I said Herman Li rules supreme that wont make it true.




Oh and my favorites would be an entirely different list. As of today, and in no particular order.

Adrian Smith
Michael Akerfeldt
Joe Satriani
Glenn Tipton
Roy Z

Posted by: bladzerok Oct 10 2008, 04:41 PM

i wont say the greatest, i will say my favorites :
1- steve vai

then: john petrucci, guthrie govan, greg howe, satriani and rusty cooley

Posted by: jer Oct 10 2008, 04:42 PM

I also find it VERY interesting that after 10 lists there is no sign of Eddie Van Halen.

Posted by: mattacuk Oct 10 2008, 04:42 PM

That is a very cool list of favorites my friend

Posted by: Emir Hot Oct 10 2008, 04:50 PM

1. Jimmy Page
2. Jimi Hendrix
3. Stevie Ray Vaughan
4. David Gilmour
5. Eric Clapton

Posted by: FrankW Oct 10 2008, 04:53 PM

In no particular order:

Allan Holdsworth
Shawn Lane
Jeff Beck
Eric Johnson
Tommy Emmanuel

I just took a stab at this. But, when I think of other players I have listened to, it's really hard to nail down my own personal choices. I've excluded people like Guthrie Govan, Mark Knopfler, Steve Morse, John Mclaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, Greg Howe, Chris Poland, Eddie Van Halen, Chet Atkins, Andres Segovia, Monte Montgomery, Larry Carlton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Martin Taylor, and Steve Vai.

I could come up with more than one top 5 list, I guess. And these are just the guys I can think of at the moment, and that I've heard of. There are monsters out there that we've never heard of that are taking the guitar to the next level. I can't wait to hear them!

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 10 2008, 05:13 PM

Thanks. i like yours too, becuase it seems like no one ever lists brian may!

Posted by: mattacuk Oct 10 2008, 05:14 PM

I am also supprised about this, Brian may is just awsome!!

Posted by: Jesse Oct 10 2008, 05:36 PM

Stevie ray vaughan
Albert collins (hat lynryd skynyrd guitarist)
Chuck berry
Angus young
Muris!

Posted by: VinceG Oct 10 2008, 06:11 PM

I only have 3 that never gets recognition for anything.

1. Wata of Boris
2. Stephen O'Malley (Burning Witch, Sunn O))), Aethenor, Khanate, Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, Thorr's Hammer, Ginnungagap, Lotus Eaters, Fungal Hex, KTL (US), Grave Temple, House Of Low Culture, Pentemple)
3. Greg Anderson (Goatsnake, Sunn O))), Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, Burial Chamber Trio, Engine Kid, guest on Lunatics on Parole, Pentemple, Thorr's Hammer, Ascend, Burning Witch)

Why I chose them is because of how they define music as something more expressive than verse chorus solo kind of thing. Most people doesn't see the destructive or beauty these guys make, but when you finally understand it... then you would know why I chose them as my top 3.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Oct 10 2008, 06:29 PM

1. Richie Sambora
2. Eddie Van Halen
3. Slash
4. Joe Satriani
5. SRV

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 10 2008, 06:56 PM

thanks for mentioning them. sunn o))) and boris never get any respect here!

Posted by: audiopaal Oct 10 2008, 07:21 PM

In no particular order..

- Mark Knopfler
- Gary Moore
- David Gilmour
- Joe Satriani
- Jimmy Page

Posted by: Guitar1969 Oct 10 2008, 07:29 PM

I agree that there are many out there who may have not had mainstream success, but as far as skill level and telent, are up there as the best of all time.

For example, Many here may not have heard of Phil Keaggy because he's known mainly in the Christian Music scene, but he is consistently ranked as one of the top fingerstyle guitarists in Guitar Player magazine, and his talent has been acknowledged by Eddiie Van Halen, and Jim Hendrix(when he was alive). What's even more amazing is he is well known for fingerstyle, yet he only has 4 fingers on his right hand(No middle).

I think many acknowledge the guitarists that are known in their favorite style or sphere of interest, which is understandable, but may not necessarily be the most talented of all time- As evidenced by some of the choices listed above.

Nows, a good time for a disclaimer - This is just my opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the view of GMC.

Posted by: Canis Oct 10 2008, 08:01 PM

In no particular oder:

- Luca Turilli
- Gary Moore
- Paul Gilbert
- Jani Liimatainen
- Yngwie Malmsteen

Posted by: sigma7 Oct 10 2008, 08:24 PM

buckethead
van halen
paul gilbert
john petrucci
eric johnson

in no order

o yah i forgot Herman Li..... .... jk

whoo, i didnt think anyone who mention Jani! Too bad he left the band

Posted by: JVM Oct 11 2008, 12:28 AM

In no particular order:

Hendrix. Amazing fluidity and virtuosity in his playing, way ahead of his time, technological pioneer, he was IMO the one that showed the world what a guitar was capable of.

Page. In any genre he touched, he dominated. Another absolute master of the studio, like Hendrix. Great on an acoustic as well.

Iommi. The arch-demon-lord master of the riff.

Beck. The one, IMO, that brought fusion playing to the mainstream. He continues today and is a master of blending genres. From blues to jazz to even metal, one of the all time greats.

Gilmour. For reasons stated above, mainly that he showed the world what can be done with just a couple of notes. The solo master.

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 11 2008, 12:31 AM

Check out the Tony iommi/glenn hughes album "Fused". One of the best albums ive ever heard!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Oct 11 2008, 01:11 PM

Dave Gilmour - For reasons that others have mentioned
Steve Vai - for being able to shred but never losing a sense of melody
Gary Moore - Blues shredder but again,m highly developed sense of Melody
Brian May - Awesome Harmonies
Muris Varajic - the most acomplished and versatile guitarist I know!

Posted by: metalpete Oct 12 2008, 02:17 PM

Marty Friedmann
Alex Skolnick
Dave mustaine ( Rythem and songwriting)
Dimebag
Yngwie Malmsteen

Posted by: sidewas lightning Oct 12 2008, 06:15 PM

In no particular order:
Steve Vai
Eric Johnson
Slash
Matthias Jabs
And me, of course! Yeah, right.

Posted by: berko Oct 12 2008, 06:31 PM

David Gilmour
John Petrucci
Mark Knopfler
Brian May
Tommy Emmanuel (acoustic)

Only my humble opinion presented here

Posted by: Marcus Siepen Oct 13 2008, 12:26 PM

David Gilmour
Toni Iommi
Brian May
Michael Schenker
Mark Knopfler

Posted by: Fsgdjv Oct 13 2008, 12:47 PM

I don't really know, but:

Jimi Hendrix
John McLaughlin

Erm, that's about all people who could be among the 5 greatest that ever lived that I enjoy listening to.

They get more respect here than anywhere else I've seen, so I can't really agree with you there.

Posted by: Praetorian Oct 13 2008, 12:55 PM

I started this thread...and I CAN'T BELIEVE I forgot to put Eric Johnson on my list!!!!

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Oct 13 2008, 02:40 PM

I'm trying to put only 5 on my list, but I think there are much more than that. All the way back from the 1920 to a modern time there were some phenomenal players and musicians that heavily influenced other players and left a great legacy for players to come and so on. So every great player from back in those days, until modern time can be on that list, and it would be unfair to me to left out some of those musicians, because the music wouldn't be the same today.

Posted by: Gus Oct 13 2008, 02:50 PM

It's a little bit hard to make a list of greatest guitarist, as this can be seen from various angles. So I will have to make 3 top 5 lists

The 5 guitarists I hear the most:
Jimmy Page
Slash
Kirk Hammett
Augusto Licks
David Gilmour

Top 5 most impressive guitarists (technique masters)
Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Ynwgie Malmsteen
Muris Varajic
Gus G

Top 5 guitarists that I think influenced rock story the most
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix
Les Paul
Slash
Steve Ray Vaughan

Posted by: sigma7 Oct 13 2008, 02:53 PM

wut about Eddie Van Halen... Id say he influenced rock a lot haha

Posted by: Gus Oct 13 2008, 03:07 PM

Yeah, I agree. that would be #6 on my last list

Before someone asks, #6 on the second list would be Paul Gilbert...

Posted by: Prantare Oct 15 2008, 06:27 AM

Well, my 5 favourite guitarists and those that influenced me the most are at the moment the following:

Jason Becker (his compositions are amazing, he's always happy, full of joy, he was a virtuoso far greater than Yngwie and Gilbert for his age)
Eddie Van Halen (for being so damn happy!)
Mattrach (for influencing me to start recording my own songs)
David Gilmour (for his godly feeling and tone)
Eric Johnson (for his godly composition Cliffs of Dover)

Posted by: kyldeee Oct 15 2008, 06:51 AM

My five favorites are ( in no particular order )

Stevie Ray Vaughan
Mark Knopfler
Eric Clapton
Muris Varajic ( obviously )
Eric Johnson

Cheers

Posted by: Rousseau Mannan Oct 15 2008, 08:10 AM

Its really hard or nearly impossible to put the 5 greatest guitarist that ever lived, but I'm just gonna go with my most favorite guitarists of all time that influenced my playing the most in no particular order.

1. Joe Satriani
2. John Petrucci
3. Marty Friedman
4. Jeff Beck
5. Ritchie Blackmore

Posted by: Letsrock Oct 16 2008, 10:13 PM

my favourites are

Ritchie Blackmore (for the Stargazer solo)
Jeff Loomis (for super heavy riffs)
Michael Romeo (I love his speed and classical approach)
Josh Homme (for versatility and style)
Alex Lifeson (for La Villa Strangiato on Hemispheres)

Strange mix I know. When It comes to ability I haven't a clue, I base mine selection on songs and style.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 16 2008, 11:05 PM

This is very difficult. I just can name my favourite 5 at this moment.
Jimi Hendrix
Steve Vai
John Petrucci
Slash
Guthrie Govan

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 16 2008, 11:09 PM

Id like to change my list.
1.Dave Mustaine
2.Robb Flynn & Phil Demmel of Machine Head
3.Mikael Akerfeldt
4.Frank Zappa
5.Chris Broderick

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 17 2008, 11:27 AM

No particular Order

Emppu Vuorinen
Mark Knopler
Syu
David Gilmour
Eric Clapton

To simplify, for each of us, our list consists on the definition of our inspirations. I love many others as well, but for me, can't imagine my life without these guys...

Posted by: Slavenko Erazer May 15 2012, 10:49 AM

1.Vai
2.Wylde
3.Vaughn
4.Van Halen
5.Vandenberg
5.Vinnie Moore

Cos' they're all flying V's !!!

Posted by: derper May 17 2012, 10:39 PM

5 Greatest Guitarists That Ever Lived, in my opinion.... (taking the question very literally)


Django Reinhardt
Wes Montgomery
Chet Atkins
Tony Rice
Jeff Beck

Posted by: Mudbone May 18 2012, 01:10 AM

Theres no such thing. It should just be who's the most popular guitarist.

Posted by: Patrik Berg May 18 2012, 02:50 AM

my favourites
Sabicas
Paco de lucia
Django reinhardt
Dave Mustaine
James Hetfield

Posted by: Londinium Jun 8 2012, 07:34 AM

In no specific order:

Page
Chuck Berry
Hendrix
Clapton
B.B.King

With my favourites as:

Clapton
Brian May
Ritchie Sambora
Joe Satriani
Slash